Northern Rail trains which operates services through Huddersfield are to get a multi-million pound cash boost for new vehicles.

The trains have been criticised for being outdated and slow, but a £480m investment will finance 281 new vehicles with more modern features.

The funding comes after franchise Eversholt Rail, which owns Northern Rail, signed contracts with Arriva Rail North Limited and Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF).

Private Spanish company CAF will build the new trains, which are set to go into operation by December 2018.

The brand new 100mph trains will include air conditioning, audio and visual on-board information, power sockets and tables, cycle racks, CCTV and clean toilets.

Free Wi-fi will also be available on them.

Mary Kenny, chief executive at Eversholt Rail, said: “We are delighted to be supporting CAF and Arriva Rail North with the supply of this new rolling stock for the new Northern Rail franchise.

“These new trains will bring much-needed improvements in comfort and capacity for passengers on this important part of the network and we look forward to working with our partners to bring them into service.”

The new trains will be either diesel or electric-run.

Antonio Campos, from CAF, said: “CAF is delighted to provide high quality, cost effective and highly reliable trains for the people throughout Northern England.